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I've seen this movie a few times over several decades. Unfortunately it never loses it's relevance or power.

The risk of nuclear annihilation remains important, whether we choose to think about it or not. Perhaps if we think about it more there is a chance that we can develope a safer weapons system. By sugar coating the topic with humor and outstanding acting, it becomes palatable for regular people like me and you.

The development of the movie was entirely sober and carefully considered, worth your attention.

Probably the blackest comedy in existence. It is interesting to note what led to this cold war parody. Originally, Kubrick had the rights to the book "Red Alert" but Sidney Lumet was filming "Fail Safe" which would premier several weeks before "Red Alert", a film with a similar plot, which would steal Stanley's thunder, so to speak. He had to think quick and so he decided to parody the whole thing. He signed up Terry Southern to help with the screenwriting and the result makes everyone go "Fail Safe"? Never saw that film. I rate comedies by the number of quotes you can remember and recite and still get laughs. This movie rates #1 by that standard. "Shoot it! With the bullets in your gun. That's what they're for". "Shucks! A fella could have a hell of a weekend in Vegas with this." "How'd you get this number? Yes I love you. No, it's not just physical." "I wish we had one of them doomsday machines." "I propose a mineshaft GAP!" "The Premier was going to announce it on his birthday. You know how he loves surprises." and the best: "You can't fight in here. This is the War Room!"

plotline
May 02, 2017

Laughing At Doomsday: A 50-Megaton Masterpiece

"Yes, the whole point of the Doomsday Machine is lost...if you keep it a secret. VY DIDN'T YOU TELL DER VORLD, EH?!"- Dr. Strangelove in DR. STRANGELOVE.

I'll tell "der vorld".

After the dewy circumspection of LOLITA, Kubrick had a creative brainstorm. Gone are the eternally long takes of the previous film, with its prosaic settings and conventional structure. Beating back the censors, Kubrick was emboldened. He let loose with a barrage of wit and stylization.

DR. STRANGELOVE is a template for radical filmmaking, dropped squarely into the film industry's bland mainstream. The director excoriates the denizens of the military-industrial complex, exposing them as a collection of disturbed lunatics whose pathological urges translate into nuclear destruction.
The production is geared to stun. The editing creates a rapid cascade of jolting imagery and dialogue, much of it hysterically funny, but overlayed with an ominous solemnity. Ken Adam's sets are overpowering works of detailed artistry (cheers for the vaulting ceiling of the War Room).

With Kubrick attached firmly to his back, the stark monochrome of Gilbert Taylor's photography exudes a vise-like grip over the audience. The script's satirical punch is so effective it gave birth to a slew of jocular, oft-quoted one liners: "Gentlemen, you can't fight in here; this is the War Room!"

And once more, Kubrick displayed his flair with actors. Nowhere in George C. Scott's film appearances will you see a more unfettered and successful effort. In what would prove to be the acme of his professional career, Peter Sellers comes across with three devastatingly funny portrayals, each one weighted with a touch of gravity to give them lasting impact.

Kubrick was fearless. Over fifty years after STRANGELOVE'S release the film is still alive with the power of his audacious wit, visual power and intellect. STRANGELOVE is arguably the director's finest hour and a half.
2/1/17

One of the funniest movies ever !!! You laugh even harder because you already know the joke. Watched it at least 50 times in my life and still howl on the floor . " you can't fight in here ! This is the war room"

Peter Seller's greatest second greatest performance is as Dr. Strangelove in this OK movie from the strange director, Stanley Kubrick. I don't like antiwar movies also because they don't deal with reality.

Despite the film showing its age, especially in terms of graphics, the message still comes across loud and clear, nuclear weapons and an industrial military complex in control of government should be banned.

One of the greatest satires of the 20th century. Peter Sellers' comedic talent is on display in no less than four roles: Group Captain Lionel Mandrake, President Merkin Muffley, and Dr. Strangelove himself.

I was being generous with the 2 stars, I dont know am i missing somthing here? I like the director and the star, but for me its like the 60's laugh in, unfunny not interesting, best part of this movie was when the credits started to roll! ewww looks like i can be ironic too!
i dont want to sound like im going on a rant here, but i dont know how anyone from now a days can even stand all the lame anti war pro war lets be like hogans heros,another lame crap piece, seriously some people didnt like "eyes wide shut" but id sooner watch that then this anyday! scary rich people in masks and robes, and "Lelee "! Yod didnt!

A thought provoking films that stands the test of time - best film 1964. Look for parallels in style and theme with Kubrick's other masterpiece, 2001 A Space Odyssey ie technology that goes awry.
Note the parallels in the lead up to the War in Iraq: the US's false belief that the perceived enemy has a Doomsday Device (Weapons of Mass Destruction); an out of control military that negates any intelligent counter-point to a preemptive attack based on fear; accusations that anyone who apposes military action is siding with the enemy - recall how any American - including the media - who apposed involvement in Iraq, regardless how compelling and logical their reasoning, was ridiculed and called "unpatriotic."
Peter Sellers, the quintessential character actor, brilliantly assumes the role of three different characters.

Summary

A masterpiece of Cold War satire, with George C. Scott and Peter Sellers both being awesome and an ending that is totally non traditional and completely unexpected. Stanly Kubrick was a brilliant film maker, and he is in complete control of his craft with this incredibly cast, acted and filmed movie. Iconic in many of its moments, this is a huge awesome bomb dropping cowboy riding example of awesomeness. It is truly a one of a kind movie.